How I Repaired My Concrete Drivewayhttp://macnicollappraisal.com/index.xml
Recent content on How I Repaired My Concrete DrivewayHugo -- gohugo.ioenMon, 23 Oct 2017 12:46:23 +0000Smooth, Safe and Stylish: Why Seamless Flooring is Right for Your Homehttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/10/23/smooth-safe-and-stylish-why-seamless-flooring-is-right-for-your-home/
Mon, 23 Oct 2017 12:46:23 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/10/23/smooth-safe-and-stylish-why-seamless-flooring-is-right-for-your-home/<p>Whether your floors are tarnished and in need of a fix-up or you just fancy a change in aesthetic, there are many factors to take into account when you're considering how to replace them – but whether you're prioritising cost, function or appearance, you may well find that concrete is the best option for your home's floors.&nbsp; Frankly, concrete flooring is one of home design's&nbsp;best-kept secrets.&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; A whole host of reasons.&nbsp; For starters, it's suitable for both interiors and exteriors, allowing for great consistency through your home – and because concrete floors are seamless, it really can run all the way through your home.&nbsp; Here is just a handful of other reasons to get you thinking about&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ddconcretorswarehouse.com.au/services" target="_blank">seamless floors</a>:</p>
<p><strong>Customisable</strong></p>
<p>You may well be picturing plain grey concrete and wondering how it can possibly be customisable.&nbsp; In reality, you can change almost anything about concrete.&nbsp; It can be dyed to any colour, whether natural or bright and bold.&nbsp; It can be left matte or it can be surfaced to make it glossy, or semi-glossy.&nbsp;It can be set with flagstones, pebbles or tiles for decorative purposes.&nbsp; Frankly, whatever your home's aesthetic, you'll be able to find a way for concrete to fit it.</p>
<p><strong>Safety</strong></p>
<p>Especially if you have young children or elderly family members walking around, it's important to ensure that trip hazards are kept to a minimum.&nbsp; As concrete is seamless, there are no joins, edges or kerbs for your family to trip over.&nbsp; This also makes it very suitable for wheelchair users and those who struggle with mobility impairments.</p>
<p><strong>Price</strong></p>
<p>Concrete is an extremely cost-effective flooring solution, especially compared to popular classic choices such as wood and marble.&nbsp; In fact, you can actually mimic the look of marble by treating the surface of your marble to make it glossy&nbsp;– and that treated concrete will be much easier to maintain than real marble, too.&nbsp; Because concrete is so affordable, it allows you to change the look of all the floors in your home without breaking the bank, and all without looking cheap.</p>
<p>In short, whatever you're looking for in your new floor, concrete ticks all the boxes.&nbsp; It's reasonably priced, it looks fantastic, and it's practical&nbsp;– not just because it's low maintenance and safety, but also because of its excellent durability.&nbsp; Before you commit to a more expensive option, you should certainly speak to a concrete contractor and see exactly what the options are for your home.&nbsp; Good luck!</p>
2 Striking Concrete Finishes That Will Give Your Home's Interior The "Wow Factor"http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/30/2-striking-concrete-finishes-that-will-give-your-homes-interior-the-wow-factor/
Tue, 30 May 2017 20:21:46 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/30/2-striking-concrete-finishes-that-will-give-your-homes-interior-the-wow-factor/<p>Concrete is an enduringly popular product in the Australian building industry. It's versatile, incredibly durable and relatively inexpensive in comparison to many other building materials. Traditionally, it's been used as a structural component and as a base material for other materials. However, with an ever-increasing number of decorative finishes now available, concrete is frequently being used as a design element.</p>
<p>Interior concrete flooring is now a common feature in many modern homes. If you're considering using concrete for your new flooring, or if you'd like to expose and enhance the concrete that already exists underneath your more traditional flooring, then here are two stunning and vibrant finishes that will give your home the "wow factor":</p>
<p><strong>1. A metallic epoxy finish</strong></p>
<p>Epoxy compounds are commonly used to seal concrete floors and create a smooth, lustrous and non-porous surface. A metallic epoxy finish takes this look a step further and uses metallic particles or flecks to create a truly rich and luminous end product.</p>
<p>This finish can be tinted as well to add extra colour to your concrete floor. It's important to remember that this type of floor is highly reflective, and the colour you choose will be bounced back into the room when light hits the floor. Make sure that you choose a colour that will add the right mood to your room and won't overwhelm your senses.</p>
<p><strong>2. An acid etched stain finish</strong></p>
<p>Using an acid etched stain is a strikingly beautiful way to add colour to your concrete floor. Unlike concrete paint, which simply coats the surface of the concrete, an acid etched stain actually penetrates the surface of the floor and chemically bonds with the concrete. The result is a flawless surface that won't fade, peel or crack.</p>
<p>The colours that can be achieved with this type of finish are slightly more limited than other products. Colours such as terracottas, soft earthy browns and light shades of blue and green are most common. The colour variety reflects the palette that is found in natural flooring materials such as stone and marble.</p>
<p>It's incredible how these simple and readily available concrete flooring finishing can transform a utilitarian and dull concrete floor into a thing of great beauty. To achieve the most attractive and professional look, these finishes should be applied by an experienced concrete contractor. They will have the knowledge of both the product and the required preparation process to ensure that the end product is an eye-catching and unique feature in your home.</p>
<p>Looking for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ellconconcrete.com.au/decorative-concrete" target="_blank">decorative concreting</a>? Click the link to learn more!</p>
How to Limit Erosion Problems at a Construction Sitehttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/29/how-to-limit-erosion-problems-at-a-construction-site/
Mon, 29 May 2017 12:26:27 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/29/how-to-limit-erosion-problems-at-a-construction-site/<p>Erosion can pollute stormwater drainage systems and affect surroundings properties. It is, therefore, necessary for you to implement measures that will limit the magnitude of the erosion that occurs on your construction site. This article discusses some of those helpful erosion control measures that you can implement during your DIY construction project.</p>
<p><strong>Minimise Disturbance Zones</strong></p>
<p>The first step in controlling erosion during a construction project involves limiting the extent to which you disturb the landscape at the site. Leave as much vegetation intact as possible. Restrict the movement of construction equipment, such as excavators, at the site. In this way, only the footprint of the building or structure that you are putting up will be disturbed.</p>
<p><strong>Stabilise the Soil</strong></p>
<p>Another way to keep erosion minimal is to stabilise the soil as you work. Stabilisation options including pouring mulch on the disturbed soil and installing erosion blankets on slopes. These measures will prevent the disturbed soil from being carried away by water runoff and wind.</p>
<p><strong>Protect Storm Inlets</strong></p>
<p>Each property usually has stormwater inlets that direct runoff water into the municipal stormwater drainage system. Such inlets need to be protected during any construction project. This is because some erosion may be inevitable once the soil is disturbed at the construction site. The easiest way to protect those inlets is to place rock-filled bags around each inlet. This will stop any eroded materials from getting into the storm drains on your property.</p>
<p><strong>Set Up Sediment Traps</strong></p>
<p>You should also set up basins along the slopes on your property. Those basins will collect runoff water and allow the sediment to settle at the bottom of the basin before the water flows out of those sediment traps. This accumulated sediment can then be removed periodically so that the basins retain a sufficient depth to do their work.</p>
<p><strong>Use Construction Entrances</strong></p>
<p>Construction vehicles and equipment can also carry eroded soil and other materials from your site. This material is trapped in the tyres or tracks of those vehicles as they move on the disturbed sections of the site. You can control this type of erosion by setting up a construction entrance. This entrance is a stretch of the driveway or access road on which you pour crushed stones. Those stones will remove any material that is trapped in the tyres or tracks of vehicles and equipment leaving the site. Fresh stones should be poured on that entrance periodically in order to cover those that have been saturated with the extracted soil from the site.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.troysgoldcoastconcretepumping.com.au/erosion-control-and-repair" target="_blank">Erosion control</a> at a construction site is an evolving process that should be tweaked in order to address the emerging challenges as work goes on. You should, therefore, hire an erosion control expert to keep a close eye on your site in case you lack the skills to select the right erosion control techniques for the different phases of your project. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
Tips to Ensuring Your Concrete Kerbing Stays in Good Conditionhttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/26/tips-to-ensuring-your-concrete-kerbing-stays-in-good-condition/
Fri, 26 May 2017 16:06:22 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/26/tips-to-ensuring-your-concrete-kerbing-stays-in-good-condition/<p>One of the primary reasons commercial and residential premises have <a href="http://www.kerbdoctorwa.com.au/our-services" target="_blank">concrete kerbing</a> is because concrete requires minimal maintenance to stay appealing. However, this does not mean that your concrete kerbing will not degrade over time, especially if it is not given the proper attention. The following are some of the tips that you should employ to preserve the condition of your concrete kerbing.</p>
<p><strong>Tip 1: Schedule routine application of sealant</strong></p>
<p>An essential maintenance measure to prolong the shelf life of your concrete kerbing is to ensure that sealant is applied on a regular basis. A sealant is of particular importance if you live in an area that experiences erratic weather patterns or if you live at the coast. Prolonged exposure to precipitation and salt can degrade the concrete, and this will eventually cause the kerbing to crumble, necessitating replacement. Luckily, the application of concrete sealant can be carried out as a DIY project, and you won't have to incur additional labour costs.</p>
<p><strong>Tip 2: Carry out stain removal as often as needed</strong></p>
<p>Although sealants protect the concrete kerbing from the changing elements, you also have to ensure that this sealant is not being exposed to undue damage. Stains from grease or oil could compromise the surface of the sealant, which will lead to your concrete kerbing becoming permanently stained. If stains are not dealt with when they are spotted, your kerbing will gradually become an eyesore and detract from the appearance of your property's exterior. Regular cleaning detergents should be able to eliminate most stains, but if you come across particularly stubborn stains, you should consider investing in power washing your kerbing.</p>
<p><strong>Tip 3: Avoid deicing chemicals at all costs</strong></p>
<p>Deicing chemicals can be extremely convenient during the winter months, as they provide you with a quick solution to thawing ice on your kerbing. However, constant exposure to these deicing chemicals will cause your concrete kerbing to start scaling. Moreover, the chemical compounds in the deicing products, particularly ammonium sulphates and nitrates, will begin to interact with the concrete and cause disintegration. This chemical reaction then makes your concrete susceptible to structural damages. As a result, you will find your kerbing is considerably worse for wear once winter is done. A safer alternative to eliminating snow and ice would be the use of salt, as the calcium chloride will not damage the kerbing. It should be noted that the salt might harm any vegetation that is nearby, so ensure that plants are not at risk of being exposed to run-off.</p>
The Benefits of Using Precast Concrete Slabshttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/19/the-benefits-of-using-precast-concrete-slabs/
Fri, 19 May 2017 12:58:48 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/19/the-benefits-of-using-precast-concrete-slabs/<p>If you are renovating your home, <a href="http://copeindustries.com.au" target="_blank">precast concrete</a> is an ideal material to use. Precast concrete is moulded offsite and transported in blocks to your worksite. Because it is cured under optimal conditions, precast concrete is extremely resilient and strong. Precast concrete can be used to build walls, partitions and floors. Below is further information about the benefits of using precast concrete slabs as part of your project.</p>
<p><strong>Insulating slabs</strong></p>
<p>Insulating panels are moulded, so the contain a hollow core. This means that the slabs of concrete are much lighter than solid slabs. This makes it easier to install on site as they can be more easily lifted into place and moved around. The hollow space within these insulating slabs forms an air gap which helps to prevent heat loss, meaning that they offer excellent insulation, which will boost the energy efficiency of your home. Preformed insulating slabs also offer fantastic soundproofing, which makes them the ideal choice if you live near a busy road, airport or another noisy part of the city.</p>
<p><strong>Flooring slabs</strong></p>
<p>Precast concrete flooring slabs are an easy way to lay down a new floor surface during renovation work quickly. Rather than having to pour liquid concrete and then waiting for it to harden, you can simply measure the area you wish to pave, order the concrete flooring slabs and then lay them once they have been delivered to the work site. However, before you lay the slabs, you will need to ensure that the ground is properly level. If you try to lay concrete slabs on uneven ground, you will find that water can seep underneath the slabs, causing damage. If the concrete floor slab is exposed to water for an extended period of time, it may begin to deteriorate. Once the flooring slabs are in place, it is important that you ensure it is prepared before you lay any additional flooring such as carpet and tiles. Before laying carpet, you will have to ensure that the concrete floor is free from dust and debris. However, if you plan to lay titles or paint the floor, you will also need to apply a layer of primer treatment before commencing work.</p>
<p>If you would like to find out more about the benefits of using precast concrete during your home renovation job, you should contact a professional concrete company today. A contractor will be happy to offer further help and advice.</p>
Different Materials You Could Consider For Exposed Aggregatehttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/15/different-materials-you-could-consider-for-exposed-aggregate/
Mon, 15 May 2017 15:00:46 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/15/different-materials-you-could-consider-for-exposed-aggregate/<p>Concrete remains the most popular material used for exterior flooring in both residential and commercial applications due to the high durability that it offers. However, since plain concrete tends to be bland and typically will only come in grey, some people may want to steer clear of it if they are looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of their premises. Luckily, you can reap the benefits of the inherent strength of concrete while still adding visual interest to your flooring by opting for <a href="http://www.dromanaconcrete.net.au/concrete-mixes" target="_blank">exposed aggregate</a>. This type of concrete flooring is not only attractive, but it is also highly functional by offering slip resistance and requiring minimal maintenance to stay in pristine condition. Below are some of the different materials that you could consider for exposed aggregate.</p>
<p><strong>Granite</strong></p>
<p>Exposed aggregate concrete will have crushed rock integrated to the surface of the concrete. Granite is one of the more common materials that you will come across, as it is quarried from hardened magma. The inherent strength of the granite makes it great for heavy-duty concrete applications, so this type of aggregate would be ideal for high-traffic areas such as a car park, driveway and more.</p>
<p>When most people think of granite, they assume it is only available in black. In reality, granite is available in a host of other colours such as pinks, greys and reds, depending on the chemical composition of the rock. Once the exposed aggregate has dried, the contractors can polish the surfaces of the granite to give it an enhanced sheen and boost its aesthetic appeal.</p>
<p><strong>Gravel</strong></p>
<p>This type of aggregate is acquired from natural stones that have been crushed. Gravel tends to be a more affordable alternative as compared to granite, making it a worthwhile option for people who may be looking for economical flooring. It should be noted that gravel is not as strong as granite is and thus may not fare well under heavy-duty applications. Exposed aggregate made from gravel would be better suited for residential applications such as on walkways or by the swimming pool, where it will not be exposed to as much foot traffic as on a commercial property.</p>
<p>There are two main types of gravel aggregate that you could choose to incorporate into your concrete. The first is scabbled stone, which originates from any regular stone. The second is pebbles, which are sourced from riverbeds and seabeds. To enhance the appearance of the gravel, you could have your aggregate painted before it is incorporated into the concrete.</p>
Kerbing options for youhttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/09/kerbing-options-for-you/
Tue, 09 May 2017 12:35:00 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/09/kerbing-options-for-you/<p>If you have a garden you might encounter small problems like weeds spreading or mulch scattering onto the lawn. <a href="http://www.eckerbing.com.au" target="_blank">Kerbing</a> helps in controlling both of these cases. In fact having a kerb also provides a barrier that makes it easier for you to mow your lawn and it adds to the beauty of your garden. When it comes to choosing the best material to use for kerbing you are confronted with a few choices. These include;</p>
<p><strong>Poured concrete</strong></p>
<p>Poured concrete is probably the most common material used in kerbing. This is because it has been in use in construction for long.</p>
<p>Strengths</p>
<ul>
<li>It is very strong and durable.</li>
<li>Weeds do not grow easily on concrete kerbs.</li>
<li>Concrete kerbs look good.</li>
<li>It is also possible for decorative patterns to be created on the kerb.</li>
<li>Concrete kerbs are relatively cheap.</li>
</ul>
<p>Weaknesses</p>
<p>Concrete kerbs can look ugly with time because they stain easily and the stains are not easy to remove especially birds' droppings. If you live where temperature changes are pronounced, concrete kerbs can crack and this leads to unsightly specks spreading around your garden and garden.</p>
<p><strong>Gravel</strong></p>
<p>Gravel is quickly catching on as a material of choice for kerbing. It is also used in driveways and as mulch.</p>
<p>Strengths</p>
<ul>
<li>Due to the variety of colors and shapes, it is very beautiful</li>
<li>It is very cost effective and you can easily procure it.</li>
</ul>
<p>Weaknesses</p>
<p>Gravel can be messy as the particles are easily scattered, this means more work on your garden. Aggressive weeds can grow on the kerb, especially when some dirt accumulates.</p>
<p><strong>Bricks</strong></p>
<p>Bricks have been used for kerbing for a very long time. They come in different sizes and levels of strength.</p>
<p>Strengths</p>
<ul>
<li>Bricks are usually strong and durable</li>
<li>Bricks are beautiful, they come in a few different colors.</li>
<li>Bricks are relatively cheap</li>
</ul>
<p>Weaknesses</p>
<p>Bricks are prone to cracking where there are temperature changes or alternating wet and dry conditions. Also, if weeds are allowed to grow on brick kerbs they will destroy them gradually. Stones and slates. They are quite popular due to the amount of variety possible with this type of kerbing.</p>
<p>Strengths</p>
<ul>
<li>They are strong and durable, an upgrade on bricks</li>
<li>They come in many colors hence they are beautiful</li>
<li>The weakness with this type of kerbing is that it can be quite costly</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Choosing the right material</strong></p>
<p>When choosing the right materials for your kerb you can consult with your kerbing contractor to know the particular options available for you and the best materials for your locality based on weather and other environmental factors.</p>
4 Causes of Electrical Problems in Concrete Pumpshttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/08/4-causes-of-electrical-problems-in-concrete-pumps/
Mon, 08 May 2017 18:28:04 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/08/4-causes-of-electrical-problems-in-concrete-pumps/<p>Some inexperienced DIYers may not know what to do in case a rental concrete pump fails due to electrical problems. This article discusses some of the components that you should check in order to get that truck-mounted concrete pump working again.</p>
<p><strong>Check the Alternator</strong></p>
<p>It may not always be right to assume that once the concrete pump truck starts then the alternator is working effectively. A weak alternator can start the truck but fail to operate the concrete pump. You should therefore check the output voltage of your truck's alternator. That output should be at least 24volts. Replace the alternator in case its output falls below the recommended level.</p>
<p><strong>Clean the Battery Terminals</strong></p>
<p>The concrete pump may also stop working if the terminals of the battery are dirty. Such terminals cannot allow a sufficient amount of electrical current to flow to the electrical system of the pump. Clean off any powdery residues that have accumulated on the terminals. You should also apply some petroleum jelly or a little grease on those terminals in order to protect them from corrosion. The concrete pump will resume working once the terminals are free from dirt.</p>
<p><strong>Check Battery Output</strong></p>
<p>The battery itself may be weak if the pump isn't working and yet the terminals have no problem. Perform a load test on that battery in order to establish whether it is providing ample electricity when the truck's electrical systems are working. This load test will help you to tell whether the battery is no longer able to meet the demands placed upon it. A new battery can then get the pump working again.</p>
<p><strong>Tighten the Battery Connections</strong></p>
<p>Is it possible for battery connections to become loose when you have never touched them? Yes, battery connections loosen gradually. This is caused by repeated expansion and contraction due to the heat that is generated as electrical power flows through the connections. Loose connections generate even more heat that worsens the looseness of the battery connections. This looseness can become so pronounced that the concrete pump may stop working since insufficient electrical current is reaching it. Tighten all the connections so that you break this cycle of excessive heat being generated due to loose connections.</p>
<p>As you can see, you can easily fix most of the issues that cause electrical problems in truck-mounted concrete pumps. You should therefore only call for technical assistance in case the solutions above fail to get the concrete pump to start working once more. You can also hire a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mucp.com.au/services.htm" target="_blank">concrete pumping service</a>.</p>
Two tips for sprucing up an old concrete drivewayhttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/05/two-tips-for-sprucing-up-an-old-concrete-driveway/
Fri, 05 May 2017 12:04:29 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/05/two-tips-for-sprucing-up-an-old-concrete-driveway/<p><a href="http://www.alliedconcretecutting.com.au/services/joint-sealing-and-crack-repair" target="_blank">Concrete</a> is a robust material which can withstand many years of foot traffic and exposure to the elements. However, it will eventually start to look a bit worse for wear. If this is the case for your old concrete driveway, here are some ways that you can spruce it up.</p>
<p><strong>Re-seal the concrete joints</strong></p>
<p>Many concrete driveways are made up of slabs. The material that fills in the joints between these slabs is called a sealant. &nbsp;Sealant is used for both aesthetic and practical reasons; it can enhance the appearance of a driveway, and can also serve as a physical barrier, which prevents rainwater from seeping into the soil underneath the concrete slabs and causing drainage and stability issues. Additionally, it can keep dirt and grime out of the spaces in between the slabs.</p>
<p>Sealant does not last forever and usually needs to be replaced every couple of years. Failing to do this will almost certainly leave your driveway looking neglected and unclean. As such, if you want to improve the appearance of this part of your property, it's worth hiring a tradesperson to re-seal your driveway. Ideally, it's best to find a concrete contractor who specialises in concrete joint sealing, as they will have the skill and experience required to do the job to a high standard.</p>
<p><strong>Remove oil stains</strong></p>
<p>The quickest way to give a concrete driveway a new lease of life is to remove any stains that have developed on it. Most driveway stains are caused by oil leaking from the vehicles that are parked on it. Fortunately, this type of mark is usually relatively easy to remove. In most cases, dabbing the stain with a damp cloth that's been dipped in a surfactant-based detergent (such as dish-washing liquid) and then giving it a rinse with some clean water is all that's needed to make the stain disappear.</p>
<p>However, if the stain has been there for a long time (i.e. a few years), you may need to use a stronger product, designed specifically for concrete stains. These specialist cleaners are usually alkaline based and need to be applied undiluted, left on for several minutes and then rinsed off with a hose. Take precautions when using this type of substance, as it may cause irritation or burns if it gets in contact with your skin or eyes. Thick rubber gloves and a pair of safety goggles should keep you safe during the cleaning process.</p>
Finishes You Could Consider For Interior Concrete Flooringhttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/05/finishes-you-could-consider-for-interior-concrete-flooring/
Fri, 05 May 2017 10:54:52 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/05/finishes-you-could-consider-for-interior-concrete-flooring/<p>Some business owners will steer clear from concrete flooring for the interior of their office premises as they assume it will look too industrial for their property. As such, this type of flooring is typically relegated to outdoor applications where functionality is paramount. However, advancements in technology have now allowed for decorative concrete inside your office, without having to decrease the strength and stability of the concrete. Below are a few of the finishes that you could consider for interior concrete flooring.</p>
<p><strong>Staining</strong></p>
<p>With this type of concrete finish, chemicals are applied directly on the surface of the flooring. These chemicals will then have a reaction with the concrete that results in colour forming on the surface of the flooring. If you are looking to spruce up the appearance of the concrete by changing its colour, this would be an ideal finish for your needs. Your concrete contractors can also create unique designs on the concrete surface by applying the chemicals using various techniques. One thing to bear in mind with chemical staining is that you cannot have a clear idea of what the result will be because the chemicals react variably with the concrete. Thus, you may want to test out the chemical stains on some of the concrete before opting to have it applied on your entire flooring.</p>
<p><strong>Hardeners</strong></p>
<p>Hardeners are a great addition to your concrete flooring as they function to provide it with a protective layer. However, hardeners do not have to be clear. If you are looking for a way to jazz up your interior concrete flooring, you should consider coloured hardeners. These coloured hardeners can also be used in conjunction with chemical stains to make your concrete as decorative as possible.</p>
<p><strong>Stamping</strong></p>
<p>Another concrete finish that affords you unique patterns and designs is stamping. With this type of finish, the contractors will directly stamp on the concrete using motifs to create your desired appearance. Nonetheless, it should be noted that concrete stamping is not suitable for all types of concrete flooring. If you are to make use of this technique, you would have to do it on fresh concrete. Hence, it may only be viable if you are constructing your office property or if you are engaging in renovations that include re-flooring the premises. The reason for this is the stamping has to be undertaken when the concrete is still curing so that the designs can dry with the flooring.</p>
<p>For more information, contact a business such as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.liquidrock.com.au/services" target="_blank">Liquid Rock Constructions Pty Ltd</a>.</p>
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Scanning: Your Burning Questions Answered!http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/05/ground-penetrating-radar-gpr-scanning-your-burning-questions-answered/
Fri, 05 May 2017 08:28:54 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/05/ground-penetrating-radar-gpr-scanning-your-burning-questions-answered/<p>Today, concrete is widely used in the construction industry to set up buildings, roads, pavements, bridges and other structures. Even though it is strong and durable, concrete structures may have some anomalies cause by improper mixing, preparation or application of the concrete material to the structure. Minor anomalies may not be a cause for concern, but the severe ones require you to examine the concrete structure and carry out the necessary repairs. Ideally, the best way to examine the structure is by using non-intrusive and non-destructive techniques to locate the target that you want to repair. Here are some of the commonly asked questions on GPR <a href="http://www.diamondcutconcrete.com.au/safety-scanning" target="_blank">concrete scanning</a> to better your insight and understanding:</p>
<p><strong>What is GPR Scanning?</strong></p>
<p>Ground penetrating radar scanning is a technique used to examine concrete structures through the transmission of user-friendly radio waves that help to generate images of the inner layers of a concrete structure. In most cases, GPR is confused with concrete X-ray. First, X-ray is used to locate any utilities buried within concrete before you drill, cut or core through the concrete. Such utilities include cables and pipes. Secondly, concrete X-ray uses harmful gamma rays and must be carried out with due care to prevent adverse health effects to the users. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What Do the Map Reports Contain?</strong></p>
<p>After carrying out the ground penetrating scanning, you will be presented with a detailed report from the technicians. Basically, the report just covers the findings made by your service providers. It will have diagrams of the area that he or she scanned, indicating the extent, depth and location of the anomalies in the concrete structure. Since the concrete structure cannot fit on the map, the diagrams are done to scale where reasonable measurement units (centimetres, millimetres, inches) will be used to represent the actual structure.</p>
<p><strong>What are the Benefits of GPR Scanning?</strong></p>
<p>Ground penetrating scanning of concrete comes with a significant number of benefits for you and your workers. An attempt to locate concrete anomalies manually is a time-consuming and labour-intensive exercise. You will drill and core through areas that seem to have anomalies, yet these sections are well done in truth. This will amount to wasted time and money. GPR scanning helps you avoid all these. Additionally, GPR scanning also helps you prepare well for repairs and maintenance. The images give you a fair view of the extent of the anomalies, making it easy to calculate how much material you need, the number of workers and the period needed for the job.</p>
Why Polished Concrete Would Be Ideal For Your Warehouse Flooringhttp://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/01/why-polished-concrete-would-be-ideal-for-your-warehouse-flooring/
Mon, 01 May 2017 14:44:10 +0000http://macnicollappraisal.com/2017/05/01/why-polished-concrete-would-be-ideal-for-your-warehouse-flooring/<p>Gone are the days when concrete flooring meant having bland, grey floors that did not add any aesthetic element to your structure. Advancements in technology over the past few decades have invented a myriad of concrete finishes, which will not only provide you with functional flooring but one that is attractive too. Thus, if you are constructing a warehouse, you may want to contemplate using polished concrete for your flooring needs. Here are a few of the reason why polished concrete would be ideal for your <a href="http://www.macsaustralia.com.au/commercial-industrial-building-construction" target="_blank">warehouse</a> flooring.</p>
<p><strong>Polished concrete is budget friendly</strong></p>
<p>An assumption some people make about the aesthetically appealing concrete finishes is that they will be too expensive to be used as industrial flooring. The reality of the matter is that although polished concrete may be higher priced than regular concrete, it is still more economical when compared to other flooring materials. In addition to this, by opting for polished concrete, you inadvertently boost the value of your warehouse. Therefore, polished concrete will provide you with a profitable return on investment in the event you choose to sell your warehouse.</p>
<p><strong>Polished concrete is highly durable</strong></p>
<p>Another assumption some individual have about polished concrete is that it will be less durable than its conventional counterpart is. However, the reality is that it is the opposite. The first thing to keep in mind is that the base of the polished concrete is made up of regular concrete. Thus, it will be quite sturdy. Secondly, once the surface of the concrete undergoes the decorative processes to create the polished concrete, it is sealed. The sealant functions to protect the aesthetic appeal of the flooring while also ensuring that it will be extremely water resistant. Therefore, you are less likely to have to contend with concrete cancer and other forms of water damage when you invest in polished concrete. As long as you ensure that the polished concrete is sealed on a routine basis, the flooring will provide you with longevity.</p>
<p><strong>Polished concrete is low maintenance</strong></p>
<p>It is important to be quite selective about the materials you use for your warehouse flooring because they will be exposed to a host of potential risks. Exposure to chemicals and other solutions could cause the wrong type of flooring to chip, stain and crumble prematurely. Since polished concrete is not porous, you will not have to worry about it staining and becoming an eyesore. Also, the polished concrete will not acquire undue scratches and chips despite the heavy traffic exposed to the warehouse flooring.</p>
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